Patriots: Running game gains some ground

FOXBORO — From an offensive standpoint, the focus during training camp has been on the progress of Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and the rest of the Patriots' pass catchers.

No surprise there as Brady has attempted more than 600 passes each of the last three seasons — ranking fifth in the NFL last year with 628, nine shy of his career high set in 2012 — as the league has adopted an aerial approach that rivals that of Southwest, JetBlue and Virgin.

However, there is still plenty of value in having a reliable and productive ground game. Among other things, it's beneficial in short-yardage situations and when playing in inclement weather or with the lead in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots know that, which is why it must have been disconcerting the backfield situation was muddled entering Friday night's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.

Not so much in terms of who'll be here come September, but rather who'll be doing what and, most importantly, can they be trusted to fulfill their role.

The situation received some clarity during the Patriots' 30-7 victory, although it remains to be seen if it's viable in the long run.

Fourth-year pros Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen and rookie James White, drafted in the fourth round out of Wisconsin in May, are guaranteed roster spots at running back, with veteran Brandon Bolden, who didn't suit up Friday, and rookies Jonas Gray and Roy Finch vying for a possible fourth spot. James Develin will return as the fullback.

Ridley started the summer as the alpha runner, but appears to have ceded the position following his fumble last week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Yes, if the play had happened in the regular season coach Bill Belichick surely would have challenged it and, most likely, had the call overturned. Still, Belichick considers any ball put on the ground, whether it's recovered — as was the case with Ridley courtesy of Develin — or not, to be a fumble.

So it was hardly surprising Vereen started against the Panthers and saw extensive action before the first-stringers departed in the second half. And this had nothing to do with a game-specific plan as the Patriots didn't have one.

Vereen only rushed for 18 yards on six carries, but was explosive out of the backfield and effective in open space while catching all five passes to come his way for 57 yards and two touchdowns.

The first score came off a wheel route and covered 40 yards as Vereen outraced the defense down the right sideline following some miscommunication among the Panthers' linebackers late in the first half.

"That play was fortunate, good thing we called it," Vereen said. "I ended up being open and was able to finish it off. I was hoping (I wouldn't get caught). I was running fast because I knew if I got caught, I'd here from everyone in this locker room."

The other covered 6 yards and ended with Vereen diving for the pylon midway through the third quarter. Initially ruled out of bounds, the Patriots successfully challenged the play.

"I couldn't tell if I stepped out of bounds or not," the versatile Vereen said. "But I tried like hell to get in there. I don't know who finally changed his mind, but I'm glad he did."

Vereen had 47 receptions last season, or 39 more than in his first two seasons combined. Even more impressive, he accumulated them in eight games. He also averaged 4.7 yards a rush last season and has a career mark of a solid 4.3.

The trouble is Vereen also missed eight games last year due to injury, running his three-year total to 22 absences. He seems better suited to lining up outside and contributing as a receiver while limiting his carries and the pounding on his 5-foot-10, 205-pound frame that comes from running inside.

That may be dependent on how Ridley responds to his latest butterfingered bobble.

He was benched after fumbling against the Eagles and saw limited snaps and was largely ineffective against the Panthers with 28 yards on eight carries (3.5 average). He had one rush for 13 yards, but also had four carries of zero or negative yards despite frequently having seven or eight in-line blockers at his disposal.

Some fans have suggested the 5-11, 220-pound Ridley, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, should be cut. That's not happening.

Ridley led the team in carries and rushing yards each of the past two seasons. His career average of 4.46 yards a carry ranks first in franchise history among those with 450 attempts, and no one other back on the roster has his combination of size, speed and strength.

Still, there's a lack of trust here. That creates a big problem because Ridley should be the type of back who can start a drive and finish one. Start a game and close it out.

But it's hard right now to see him getting the ball in the red zone or late in the fourth quarter, whether it's to protect or overcome a lead. Not until he earns back the coaching staff's confidence in him, at least.

And that could be a slow process as Vereen may have already supplanted his former draft day buddy, the two having been selected 17 picks apart in 2011.